WOW - Wipe Out Waste: A program of Zero Waste SA delivered by KESAB environmental solutions

Case Stud y - Star of the Sea School3

Star of the Sea School Years: R - 7 School population: 500 Location: Henley Beach

Source: Peter Hoskin

A WOW Support School. The site also includes the Marine Discovery Centre which promotes caring for catchments to students from Star of the Sea as well as many other schools and pre-schools around the state.

HighlightsA well organised 5c container collection system exists which is promoted throughout the school by a publicity campaign with a new message each year. Publicity involves signage in all classrooms and common areas (including signage produced in LOTE classes) to ensure the continued relevance of the system to students. This system is very well supported by the canteen. Funds raised have been used to purchase ‘friendship’ seats and a clock outside the canteen.

The local council provides bins for kerbside recyclables for the canteen and staffroom.

Waste Systems and LearningWaste in CurriculumWaste is incorporated in the curriculum area of Religious Education under the ‘Earthcare’ program, and in Science with a different focus for each year level. These are as follows:

R: Litter 4: Paper/cardboard recycling 1: Recycling 5: Dunecare 2: Composting 6/7: Waterwatch activities 3: Energy

Marine Discovery Centre staff and volunteers promote caring for catchments through the schools SOSE and Science program and to other visiting schools.

Excellent signage in canteen area

Quality, low cost computers from CRSQuality, low cost computers from CRS

WOW - Wipe Out Waste: A program of Zero Waste SA delivered by KESAB environmental solutions

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Getting started and keeping it goingA key element at Star of the Sea is the support of leadership for staff with enthusiasm for environmental programs. Starting small, with small steps building on success, have also been a key to growing waste reduction programs across the school.

ReducingReduction of waste and litter occurs in a number of ways, including school newsletters available via email or web. Eating lunch in classrooms or designated yard eating areas, a recent initiative, has reduced litter in the school yard. A mural in the canteen area highlights the marine consequences of litter and promotes healthy eating and recycling.

ReusingReuse of materials occurs in a variety of ways, including reuse of single-sided paper in all classrooms and use of the SA schools Computer Recycling Scheme (CRS) which provides low cost computers for all schools in SA.

RecyclingPaper and cardboard is collected in all classrooms and staff areas by Yr 4 students as part of the SITA schools paper / card recycling program.

A 5c Container collection is well coordinated and a ‘fundometer’ publicising funds raised is located outside the canteen.

Kerbside council bins are located near the canteen where many of these materials are generated.

A compost and garden area is being planned in 2006 after a recent site redevelopment.

Easy to use 5c container collection

Students manage paper collectionStudents manage paper collection

Classroom paper / card collectionClassroom paper / card collection

Reminders and updates maintain enthusiasm!